The Federal Government, in partnership with the World Bank and other development agencies, has reaffirmed its commitment to improving rural infrastructure and access through the scale-up of the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project.
At the Early Market Engagement Event held in Abuja on Thursday, stakeholders from across the public and private sectors gathered to prepare for fresh procurement opportunities under the expanded RAAMP initiative.
Director of the Project Coordinating Unit, Bukar Musa, described the event as “a critical step in preparing the market for the upcoming procurement opportunities supported by our development partners, including the World Bank and the Federal and state governments.”
RAAMP, a multi-agency initiative, is focused on rehabilitating rural roads, enhancing agricultural value chains, and strengthening market infrastructure in underserved communities.
With the scale-up phase, the project aims to extend its reach, deepen its impact, and adopt innovative procurement practices.
RAAMP’s National Coordinator, Aminu Mohammed, said, “The scale-up phase presents expanded opportunities, but it also demands higher levels of professionalism, efficiency, and compliance with international best practices.
“This forum is not merely a formality, but a strategic step in preparing the ground for successful and impactful delivery of rural infrastructure and services across Nigeria.”
He stressed the importance of early engagement, transparency, and mutual understanding between those implementing the project and the market, urging participants to “actively participate in today’s sessions, ask questions, share insights, and explore avenues for meaningful collaboration.”
Procurement Consultant for RAAMP, Muhammad Yahaya, explained that, “Future procurement opportunities under the project will be procured through the national, international, and limited market approach for PFB/RFQ under works, goods, and consultancy services in line with the World Bank procurement regulation of IPF borrowers.”
According to Lead Infrastructure, Bukar Gana, the roads being constructed under RAAMP are low volume but strategically important.
“New low volume road is built to complement the comprehensive highway manual. This type of intervention is done on upward roads that provide access to areas of high socio-economic activities with potential of attracting more traffic when upgrading work is completed,” he said.
The event, which brought together contractors, consultants, suppliers, and representatives of government ministries and agencies, serves as a platform to share technical expectations, packaging strategies, and procurement frameworks aimed at ensuring quality service delivery.
